Thank you to everyone who helped make Giving Tuesday a huge success for children and families affected by Juvenile Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases – including one very special gift we wanted to share with you from eight-year old Iyla.
Iyla, from Meaford, Ontario, has been diligently raising money for Cassie + Friends all year. Her goal is to “to help kids with arthritis like me feel better.” On Giving Tuesday, Iyla sent in the money she had raised- it was over $800!
Iyla was just two years old when she was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Like many families, Iyla’s family has to travel to get the care she needs from pediatric rheumatology specialists. Her team, at the London Health Science Center, is a 3.5-hour drive from Meaford (both ways) – a trip Iyla’s family has been making regularly for six years, with many out-of-pocket expenses along the way for hotels, gas and meals, not to mention taking time off work for her parents.
But they make the best of it. Her dad Graham says they just want to offer Iyla a positive experience, and that she actually looks forward to their ‘big city’ trips, where they stay in ‘their’ special hotel and upkeep the tradition of going to Cora’s for breakfast before her appointments. Although living farther away has its challenges, it also has its blessings, and the family looks forward to the scheduled family fun time away.
Iyla found Cassie + Friends through a recommendation from the clinic and found comfort and inspiration in our resources- in particular, our puppet video Cassie + Friends at School: A Juvenile Arthritis Movie. In fact, she loved the movie so much, she hoped to see another one made, which inspired Iyla to start fundraising. She started small, simply by asking one family, and then slowly getting more comfortable and expanding her reach, eventually raising $800!
The extra special part of this story is that Iyla gave the donors a gift in return: a piece of art. She drew animals like cats, dogs, and horses, but also took requests. She also sent along the link to the movie to help others learn more about JIA, continuing to spread awareness.
Iyla likes to hear the stories and see the pictures of other kids on the Cassie + Friends website. We hope that by sharing Iyla’s story, other children will get inspired for ways – big or small – they can contribute to our mission as well by helping to raise awareness or fundraise in their own communities. As Iyla showed us, fundraising can be… Fun!
When she’s not creating masterpieces, Iyla keeps busy by rock climbing, singing, alpine skiing, snowshoeing, camping, kayaking and swimming.
Thank you Iyla for your spreading awareness, raising money for kids, and helping kids with arthritis feel better!
If you or your child is inspired to get involved or create a fundraiser, but are unsure where to start, check out some ideas from our community here or email info@cassieandfriends.ca for some fun ideas! Each year, youth who make a positive impact on the JA and other rheumatic disease communities can also apply for one of our coveted Youth Leaders Awards, valued up to $500! You can find more info here: https://cassieandfriends.ca/yln/
PS: If we were to make another Cassie + Friends Juvenile Arthritis Movie – what would you want it to be about or show about life with Juvenile Arthritis? Comment with your ideas below!
Iyla, you are one incredible 8 year old – you are a comfort and inspiration, indeed! You have a big heart and have worked very hard to make a positive difference in the lives of other children. The awareness and money you raised will continue to help others for years to come – what an incredible thing! You should feel so proud of the work you’ve done, Sweetheart!
If another Cassie + Friends Juvenile Arthritis Movie is made (and we REALLY hope one is), we’d love to see a character named Iyla added to the script! This new character named Iyla could show how life with Juvenile Arthritis can be vivacious!
The script could portray Iyla’s character doing all (or some) of her favourite activities, like, creating masterpieces, rock climbing, singing, alpine skiing, snowshoeing, camping, kayaking and swimming.
Thank you for making our world an even better place, Iyla! You’re amazing! ❤️